Dr. Conor Norton:

I agree with much of what the Senator said. Looking at the local level process in a broader context, this report would hope, ultimately, that planning processes for the creation of TAPs etc. is strengthened in the short to medium term. I refer to trying to harmonise the TAP, the housing strategy and the development plan. We make recommendations in those areas. It is our strong view that there should be increased involvement of local communities and elected representatives in the formulation of the TAP and the development of good policies locally. Essentially, this entails providing a clear pathway for the delivery of Traveller-specific accommodation. In the short term, given the inconsistent delivery of accommodation and the emergency nature of the situation, I note some local authorities have been exemplary while others have not been in a position to deliver. It is that inconsistency that concerns us in the short term. The measures we are suggesting are only intended to be short term. I refer to final decision-making on Part 8 and to the disposal, not the acquisition, of land per se. We envisage that the role of local elected members will not be diminished in any way in respect of forward planning, preparation of the TAP etc. We would like to see that role enhanced and further aligned with the housing strategy and development plan.

Recommendation No. 5 is very important. We are operating in a situation where we do not have good data or evidence.

There is no national register for us to draw on regarding Part 8 and delivery of housing for Travellers. We have an imperfect knowledge base from which to work. It would be useful to engage with the Office of the Planning Regulator, in its role in research and so forth in the planning area, to dig deeper into that. That would be a fairly big piece of work. One would have to look through each and every local authority or housing authority. That is an important point and could be pushed on in the immediate term.

The Senator is correct in suggesting that the executive side has responsibilities in delivery. It should not be seen that we are targeting local authority members. The executive side has a great responsibility in the delivery of Traveller-specific accommodation at local level. Again, we see an important role for the Office of the Planning Regulator arising in this regard. It will have a role in reviewing development plans and other such plans across the country. It could have a role in looking at the specific arrangements and policies made for Traveller-specific accommodation, the local objectives etc. More importantly, it could see if there some consistency across different local authorities in this area.